Russia launched in the early hours of this Tuesday at intense air attack above the capital of Ukraine, Kiev. For their part, the air defenses of the besieged country shot down six Kinzhal supersonic missiles, nine Kalibr cruise missiles and three ballistic missiles. No casualties were reported.
“At about 3:30 in the morning on May 16, 2023, the Russian invaders attacked Ukraine from the north, south and east with 18 missiles of various types, from land, sea and air. All 18 missiles were destroyed”, the Ukrainian Air Force reported in an official part.
For his part, the Minister of Defence Oleksi RezhnikovHe tweeted: “Another incredible success of the Ukrainian Air Force! Last night our sky defenders shot down SIX Russian Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and 12 other missiles.”
The remains of the destroyed artifacts fell on cars and buildings in Kiev. However, no fatalities or significant damage to infrastructure were reported.
As explained by Serhii Popko, head of the Military Administration of Kiev, it was a attack “exceptional in its density”as it represented “the maximum number of attack missiles launched in the shortest period of time“.
“The six Kninzhal aero-ballistic missiles were launched from six MiG-31K aircraft. Before Ukraine received the first Patriot missile systems from the Netherlands, Germany and the United States in April, Ukraine did not have the ability to intercept this type of supersonic missile,” he completed the statement.
Meanwhile, the nine Kalibr cruise missiles were launched from ships positioned in the Black Sea, while the ballistic missiles, of the S-400 and Iskander-M types, were launched from land.
In addition to missiles, Russia launched against Ukrainian territory last night nine drones also destroyed by Ukrainian defenses.
It was the eighth Russian airstrike on Kiev this month, a clear escalation after weeks of lull and before the long-awaited Ukrainian counter-offensive. It also came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrapped up a whirlwind European tour to visit Ukraine’s key allies and secure new pledges of military aid.
Volodimir Zelensky’s European tour
President Volodymyr Zelensky toured Europe and secured fresh pledges of military aid, though he failed to get the Western fighters he sought to defend against Russian air raids.
During the president’s tour of Italy, the Vatican, Germany, France and Britain, European leaders promised him an arsenal of missiles, tanks and drones ahead of an expected Russian spring offensive to turn the tide of war.
The trip was also aimed at bolstering Europe’s long-term political and military support, to ensure Ukraine can keep any recaptured territory and press for favorable peace terms.
With information from agencies.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.